New government reforms will make it quicker and cheaper for small businesses to turn empty shops into cafes, bars and music venues, as part of a wider push to bring life back to high streets and support small business growth.

Outdated planning and licensing rules will be overhauled under a new National Licensing Policy Framework, announced as part of the government’s upcoming Small Business Plan. The changes are designed to reduce red tape, cut costs, and speed up decisions for entrepreneurs looking to launch hospitality businesses in town centres.

Key measures include:

  • Making it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues.
  • Creation of ‘hospitality zones’, where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked.
  • Protection for existing pubs, clubs and venues, through the introduction of the Agent of Change principle, which makes new developers responsible for soundproofing if building nearby.
  • Standardised national rules to replace the current patchwork of local licensing regulations that often deter small operators from starting up.

The aim is to help small firms grow, bring empty premises back into use, and give communities more places to meet, socialise and enjoy local events.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the changes are about replacing “shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise.” He concluded by saying that “when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.”

The reforms build on the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which allows councils to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for more than a year.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/red-tape-slashed-to-revamp-high-streets-with-new-cafes-and-bars